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Volume XVIII Issue 87
Tuesday, December 2nd, 2025
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The Good Stuff by Shelley Bennett
by Shelley Bennett
Ahhhh… what a great Thanksgiving break! With all of our kids home, my parents, MIL, and siblings in attendance, it truly was a wonderful day of food and family.
Jacob and Leo ran things in the kitchen and every dish they turned out was delicious. My favorites were the roasted brussels sprouts and Key Lime pie.
Every day of the week was filled with tasks. Sofie runs a tight ship, so we canned pickles and dilly beans, made apricot jam and pepper jelly, baked rolls, and a selection of pies. I felt so productive!
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Landon provided the balance we needed with a selection of Christmas movies, binge watching Stranger Things, and the Dancing with the Stars finale.
After a few hours in my classroom on Sunday, I felt refreshed and ready to tackle the end of the semester. That feeling will definitely change. Probably during the middle of finals week when I have a stack of Literary Analysis essays on my desk.
Christmas is here and I am looking forward to our annual Magical Country Christmas this coming Saturday, December 6th. The fun begins at 4:00, when you will find all sorts of vendors and businesses open with their goodies.
The Hot Toddy walk kicks off then and you can buy tickets to participate at Blue Ox Chocolates or in front of the LMUD parking lot next to the vendors. As you make your way up and down Main Street, stop by Sierra Desert Properties, Susanville Real Estate, Forest Office Equipment, Blue Ox Chocolates, Haven Studio-Salon, and Margie’s Book Nook to try a variety of warm spirits.
J&J Performing Arts will start the parade with the Susanville City Kickettes leading the way. They will be joined by Miss Lassen Co and Court, Mt. Lassen Dance Academy, many other community organizations, and of course: Santa and Mrs. Claus!
The lighting of the brand-new Christmas tree will follow the parade and then fireworks will light up the night sky to end the celebration.
This event is truly one of my favorite things about living in Susanville. It started out kind of small and unremarkable, but the Chamber kept at it and made improvements every year. Thank you to the Lassen County Chamber of Commerce and the City of Susanville for bringing our community together on this night.
On Sunday, December 7th, I’m looking forward to attending “A Corral of Winter Voices” presented by the Thompson Peak Writers’ Workshop. Local authors will share their writing at Artisan Coffee in Janesville, 3:00-5:00. The afternoon will also include a Holiday Sing-Along led by Abby Gerdts-Datema, Trivia Quiz (with prizes!), and a medley of soups and accompaniments to enjoy.
December will fly by, with a variety of parties, celebrations, and family time, but SAVE the DATE for the return of the Video Dance Party on New Year’s Eve. If you were in high school during the late 80s/early 90s, you will remember how fun these dances were at Sierra Theatre.
This year SPAC is hosting a Back to the 80s themed video dance party at the Sierra Theatre on New Year’s Eve. Tickets are $10/person and all proceeds will go to renovating the performing arts center. More details coming soon!
Remember when news was ‘newsy’? When you read about weddings, family events and engagement announcements in the newspaper? If you have something that might be newsworthy, please submit it to shelleybennett24@gmail.com and I’ll do my best to include it here in “The Good Stuff.”
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Lassen County Arts Council Celebrates the
Holidays with Local Artists and Unique Gifts
The holiday season is in full swing at the Lassen County Arts Council gallery on Cottage Street, following an artist reception held this past Saturday. The gallery features work from local artists as part of the Arts Council’s December showcase. Visitors are invited to view the collection, which includes quilts, jewelry, paintings, photography, drawings, and more, all on display for the remainder of the month.
“Thank you so much to everyone who stopped by the Lassen County Arts Council Gallery for our Annual Member Show reception and Small Business Saturday,” said an Arts Council spokesperson. “And a special thank you to the member artists who were able to stop in as well! The gallery is packed with handmade pieces, and lots of unique merchandise… so please come by, explore, and shop local!”
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Beyond the artwork on the walls, the gallery serves as a destination for holiday shopping. The Arts Council has curated items perfect for anyone on your list, from kits for artists to gifts for coworkers. Shoppers can find gifts like “Busy Ideas for Bored Kids” activity cards, Dino Clay Models, and Faber-Castell Pottery Studios.
For those seeking something distinct, the shelves are stocked with book lights, emergency tech kits, “Dogs’ Day Out” paint-by-numbers sets, and fruit-scented gel pens. There are even options like “Blue Q” bags and “Honest Acronym” sticky notes, ensuring you can find something for the person who is difficult to shop for.
To give the community time to browse and support the arts, the gallery has announced expanded holiday hours. You can visit from 3:00 to 7:00p.m. during the weeks of December 1st through the 5th, December 8th through the 12th and December 15th through the 19th.
The Arts Council invites everyone to come in, ask about memberships, and shop small and local this Christmas season.
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CAL FIRE Calls 2025 a ‘Milestone Year for
Training’ as Record Number of Officers Graduate
CAL FIRE has successfully trained more than 650 new Company Officers in 2025, more than ever before, with four training centers operating at full capacity. The newest, the Atwater Training Center in Merced County, opened in July 2025 to meet growing training demands. Additional facilities are in Redding and Riverside.
According to the agency, this historic achievement, “underscores the department’s consistent and sustained commitment to developing highly skilled, professional leaders to serve the State of California.”
Director and Fire Chief Joe Tyler acknowledged the efforts required to meet this workforce demand during his keynote address:
“This milestone year of training represents our commitment to the future of CAL FIRE and the safety of California. We recognize the achievement of these 38 students, as well as the dedication of our training staff who maintained exceptionally high standards while sustaining this record-setting pace.”
Company Officer Academy Class Graduation
CAL FIRE is celebrating the graduation of this final cohort of the year, Company Officer Academy Class 25-14, marking the successful conclusion of the intensive 2025 training season. The 38 graduates are now highly trained Company Officers ready to take on leadership roles across the department.
Top-level department leadership were on hand to see the 38 students graduate, including Director Joe Tyler, Chief Deputy Director of Operations Anale Burlew and Cooperative Fire Protection Deputy Director Matthew Sully, alongside numerous CAL FIRE Region and Unit Chiefs. Director Tyler administered the official oath to the graduating class.
Academy Rigor and Standards
The rigorous 10-week curriculum began with a four-week Firefighter Academy, immediately followed by a six-week Company Officer Academy. The Training Center maintains a high standard of excellence, particularly for those aspiring to achieve Top Academic Honors.
The comprehensive assessment for the class includes a total of 13 examinations:
- Six written examinations
- Six manipulative skills examinations
- One comprehensive final examination
Earning top academic distinction is demanding and requires near-perfect performance across the curriculum; a single error – such as one missed question on a written exam or one technical fault, like a “bumped cone” during a manipulative skills test – can disqualify a student from this prestigious recognition.
2026 Outlook
With all four training centers scheduled to be operating at full capacity, CAL FIRE notes that the agency is well-positioned to meet training requirements for 2026 and beyond.
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Lassen County Animal Shelter Asks Community to Use Rehoming Resources
The Lassen County Animal Shelter has temporarily paused the acceptance of owner-surrendered pets. The shelter, which is dedicated to providing high-quality care for every animal, is currently focusing its efforts and space on animals with the most urgent needs.
To help community members who must find a new home for their companion, the shelter is encouraging the public to use effective, local rehoming resources.
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Taking the time to utilize these community resources gives your pet the best chance of finding a loving new home.
Kennel Technician Jaime Proia has put together a list of local rehoming options:
Local Facebook Groups
Post in community pet and rehoming groups. Be sure to include clear photos, your pet’s name, age, temperament, and any important details to help potential adopters get to know them.
Radio Swap Shop – 93.3 JDX
Call (530) 257-TALK (8255) between 8 AM and 9 AM, Monday through Saturday, to advertise your pet on the air. You can also offer to send photos via text message to interested callers.
Lassen Humane Society Courtesy Posting
Write a short bio about your pet and include a few great photos. Email them to lassenhumanesociety@yahoo.com. The Lassen Humane Society will post your pet on Petfinder.com to help you find them a new home. For questions, call 1.530.257.4555.
The Lassen County Animal Shelter asks the public for patience and cooperation during this temporary pause. For any questions or guidance regarding these resources, the public can call the shelter directly at 1.530.257.9200.
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“Come Unto Christ”: Community Crèche Festival in Clear Creek this Saturday
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints invites the community to discover the beauty and meaning of the season at the Community Crèche Festival in Clear Creek. This special holiday event will take place this Saturday, December 6th, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00p.m. at 3384 State Highway 147.
A celebration for everyone with a theme of “Come Unto Christ,” the festival is designed to be a peaceful gathering place for friends and neighbors. Organizers are hoping to display over 250 nativity scenes. In addition to the stunning visual displays, guests will enjoy a warm atmosphere featuring fellowship, holiday music, and refreshments.
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Admission is free and open to all.
About the Tradition
The event centers on the “crèche” – a French word for a three-dimensional artistic representation of the birth of Jesus. Each crèche on display reflects the time and culture of the artist, highlighting how the tradition has spread globally.
St. Francis of Assisi is credited with popularizing the crèche. In 1223, inspired by shepherds in moonlit fields in Italy, he beckoned villagers on Christmas Eve to light the sky with torches, bring their animals, and re-enact the Nativity.
For more information, please contact Kate McDonald at 530.519.4385.
| | There are a lot of delightful things at the annual Standish 4H Christmas Craft Fair | |
Standish 4H Holding Big Annual Winter Craft Show December 12th and 13th
The Standish 4H Club will be featuring lots of quality hand-made artwork and crafts at their annual Christmas Craft Fair scheduled for December 12th and 13th.
The event, which will feature hot food and marvelous crafts from a variety of local artisans will be held at the Standish 4H hall, 718-880 Highway 395 East.
Come browse woodwork, leather, candles, soap and lotions, handmade sweets, cakes and candy, pottery, home-sewn clothing, jewelry, floral arrangements, home décor, wreaths and more!
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There will be a drawing for a completely decorated Christmas tree and other holiday items. Tickets are only $2.
On both Friday and Saturday, you can enjoy a hot lunch, served from the 4H kitchen.
The craft fair will be held from 12:00 to 6:00p.m. on Friday, and 9:00a.m., to 4:00p.m., on Saturday.
For more information about the Christmas Craft Show call 1.530.310.1993.
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| | | Rex Cleary, seated, Susanville district manager for the Bureau of Land Management, Monday signed deeds turning former Southern Pacific property in the Susan River Canyon over to the Rails to Trails project. Looking on were from left, Stan Bales of the BLM, Jim Bowler, a local title operations officer, and David Jay, supervisor of the Lassen National Forest. | | |
RAILS TO TRAILS MILESTONE
December 2, 1980
Plans for development of a recreational trail through the Susan River Canyon were pushed an important step ahead Monday, when land for about five miles of the trail was deeded from Southern Pacific Railroad to a public trust.
“This is an important milestone,” commented Susanville BLM District Manager Rex Cleary as he signed grants. The parcels, on land administered by the BLM and the U. S. Forest Service, will be placed in a public trust for future development under the Rails to Trails conversion on which the agencies are now working.
A recent Congressional appropriation provided funds for the purchases.
Acquisition of all land adjacent to the abandoned Susanville to Westwood rail line is the essential first step in the trail development, BLM officials have noted. The agency is currently working with Beatty and Associates and some other private landowners for property which was transferred to private ownership when the railroad was abandoned in 1978.
Much of the property along the proposed trail corridor is already controlled by the BLM and the forest service.
The Rails to Trails plan calls for conversion of the 30-mile rail line to hiking, camping, day use and other recreational facilities. The plan has won strong local support as a means to preserve public access to the Susan River Canyon, a popular hunting, fishing and recreational area.
The BLM recently held public meetings in Susanville and Westwood and will use input in development of a trail management plan.
The rail line was originally built by Southern Pacific in the early 1900’s and connected to a main east-west line near Fernley, Nevada. It was built to haul lumber from Westwood mills.
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Through your membership you help preserve local history. You can download a membership application by clicking here.
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